Over the past 25 years, the Terminator series has proven to be one of the most successful science fiction franchises of all time. Comprising of four films, a television series, video games, comic books, and even theme park rides, the Terminator has become an identifiable part of the American culture. The fourth film installment '
Terminator Salvation' is out on Blu-ray today.
For the
Blu-ray review of 'Terminator Salvation', staff reviewer Martin Liebman commented, "Terminator Salvation is not only a loud, action-packed, and special effects-heavy summer extravaganza, but also a pitch-perfect extension to the series while also offering a somewhat meaningful look at what it means to be human and man's superiority to machine." He continues, "Warner Brothers' Blu-ray release of Terminator Salvation delivers a stunning 1080p transfer and a deafening reference-quality soundtrack that's among the very best Blu-ray has to offer."
Two of Guy Ritchie's earlier works are being released today on Blu-ray in anticipation of the theatrical release of 'Sherlock Holmes' later this month. Both '
Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels' and '
Snatch' are extremely fun to watch, but my pick of the two has to be the more abbreviated - and potentially suggestive - titled film. 'Snatch' uses a now familiar formula of intertwining stories that joins seemingly unrelated individuals into a single, highly entertaining story. Those who have seen the film know it to be one of the best films released in 2000; those who haven't are hereby advised to give it a rent - you won't be disappointed.
For this Blu-ray release - which has been rumored for years - Sony doesn't pull any punches. Despite the muted colors present throughout the film, video is solid and very true to the theatrical presentation. Understanding the Mickey O'Neil character (played masterfully by Brad Pitt) has always been challenging thanks to an authentic thick accent. For as many times as I've seen the film, I found it easier to understand what he was saying with the increased clarity of the DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack. This is a very solid catalog Blu-ray release
Likely on the gift lists of many children this holiday season will be the Blu-ray release of '
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian', which is being released today. Ben Stiller returns as security guard Larry Daley to rescue his friends who have been mistakenly shipped to the Smithsonian museum. The Blu-ray release also includes and DVD and digital copy of the film for watching on the go.
Also being released today, though not for the first time, are a few retail exclusive Blu-ray titles that Warner is now offering for wide release. These include the much sought after '
The Wizard of Oz: Three Disc Emerald Edition' and '
Gremlins', which were previously only available at Target, and the previous Best Buy exclusive Blu-ray release of '
The Green Mile'. Criterion adds two releases today to their every growing Blu-ray catalog: '
The Rolling Stones: Gimme Shelter' and '
A Christmas Tale'.
For a complete listing of all the Blu-ray titles released today,
click here.